Italy is one of the most visited countries in Europe, famous for its wonderful landscape, appealing history, and highly tasty, and diverse cuisine. It is also one of the most popular study destinations for international students, and that is no surprise at all.
Colleges in Italy rank among the top schools in the world in publications like the QS World ranking and many others. You would be making a great choice by choosing to study in Italy.
Why Should I Study Abroad In Italy
Studying in Italy as an international student comes with a lot of benefits. There are numerous reasons why students consider Italy their favorite study destination. First, Italy founded the first university in Europe (the University of Bologna), and its educational system is top-notch.
Several institutions in Italy are among the top-ranked universities in Europe. These include prestigious universities like
- University of Bologna
- University of Padua, and
- Sapienza University of Rome
Here are the top benefits of studying in Italy
1. A Lot of Top Universities With High Remarkable Reputations.
Studying in Italy as an international student is one of the best decisions you will make. I say this because Italy’s education system is education is exceptionally unique. Both in the public and private sectors.
2. Best Affordable Destination for International Students.
Over the years, Italy is one of the best affordable destinations for international students. This is because most of the schools are state or individual-supported. They have an improved scholarship scheme.
3. Italy is a Country Full of Wonders
Italy is known for its arts and tourism. So, there are a lot of places to visit for fun. More so, the unusual attractions in Italy are among the reason most internationals are applying to study abroad in Italy. Choosing to study abroad in Italy means you will experience more than just academic life.
To study abroad in Italy you will enjoy the cozy environment and culture for free.
4. You will Become Bilingual
Certainly, there’s no way you will finish studying in Italy without learning their language. Meanwhile, after learning the Italian language you will stand the chance to get more opportunities than every other student.
See the benefits of learning a second language here
5. There is a Wide Range of Degree Courses Taught in English.
For example, there are close to 500 Bachelors, Masters, PhD at the 63 universities in Italy, and more than a dozen courses for international students are taught in English.
6. Italy is among the Oldest Universities in the World.
Because most of the top world’s earliest universities are found in Italy, people now want to study abroad in Italy because they believe Italy’s education system is standardized.
7. You can get a part-time job.
As an international student studying in Italy, you can get a part-time job at an Italian company or even start an internship program that pays. In addition to that, many companies offer job opportunities to international students after their studies in Italy.
If you want to study abroad in Italy, then continue reading to discover the scholarship programs, best universities in Italy, cost of living in Italy, How to get your student visa, and how to renew your visa.
Who can study abroad in Italy?
Language Test:
If you are looking to study in Italy, you would have to take language exams, e.g. IELTS, TOFEL, and also general exams like the ACT, SAT, GMAT, and GRE. It is also important to know that all these exams depend on your course of study.
However, for you to study abroad in Italy as a non-European, it means you must show proof of a B2 score in the Italian language level. To achieve that, you will sit for these two exams. There are two most acceptable certifications, which are CELI and CILS.
The several aspects of the language tested include:
Comprehension involves reading, oral expression, written expression, and listening. Bear in mind that they must test all four parts.
All Italian universities accept CELI and CILS, and they require you to have a minimum B2 rating.
By now you must be asking this question: Do I need to sit for the CELI or CILs language exam examination certificate in Italy if I am applying for a program that is being offered in English?
The answer to that question is no. That is to say, if you want to study abroad in Italy for a degree program in English, you may not need the Italian language. But then, you will have to sit for the IELTS, or TOEFL language test in which four parts of the language are tested; reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Top 10 Universities in Italy
- Politecnico di Milano
- The University of Bologna
- Sapienza University of Rome
- The University of Padua,
- The University of Milan
- Politecnico di Torino
- The University of Pisa
- University of Naples Federico II
- Vita-salute San Raffaele University.
- The University of Trento.
Being the most popular study abroad place for international students who are looking for a high standard of education. Over time, people are always curious to know what it would cost to survive in Italy.
How much does it cost to study abroad in Italy?
You need to first understand that they classify the universities into public and private sectors. Therefore the cost of survival for each sector differs in terms of accommodation, tuition fees, and more.
If you want to study abroad in Italy at any of the public universities, they set their tuition fees based on discipline and degree type (Bachelors, masters, and Ph.D.). Though the tuition fee for non-EU/EEA is mostly expected to be high. And the tuition fees for private intuition are always higher than the private ones.
Public Universities Tuition Fees:
The average tuition fee for the public sector in Italy costs between 900 to 1500 Euros per annum.
Private University Tuition Fees:
The average tuition fee for private schools in Italy ranges from 7000 to 25000 Euros per annum.
Study Abroad in Italy: Accommodation Cost
The cost of living in Italy as a student also ranges between 700 and 1000 Euros per year.
Most schools offer accommodations to their international students and most times their daily needs like electricity, water, and internet access are being provided.
Again, you can choose to stay off-campus and share an apartment with a friend or stay alone if you can afford it or maybe even stay alone.
Meanwhile, house rent differs from structure to structure and location too.
So, it’s good to understand that the cost of living in Italy differs depending on where you live and the kind of lifestyle you’d want to live.
Study in Italy for Free
As one of the SDGs, we believe that we all have the right to education, and some organizations have over time been funding and sponsoring students to study in Italy for free.
With the aid of these scholarship programs from colleges and universities, private institutions, and government institutions studying for free is highly possible for international students who want to study abroad in Italy.
These scholarship programs can be fully funded or partial scholarships.
Italy study abroad scholarships
- #1. The top international scholarship at the university Bergamo in Italy 2023 for masters.
- #2. University of Bologna offers grants and tuition fee waivers for international students. These studentships are available for the academic year 2022-2023. ( for undergraduate and postgraduate)
- #3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Directorate-General for Cultural and Economic Growth and Innovation is granting scholarships for the academic year 2022-2023 (for masters).
- #4. The Study a Masters in Europe Scholarships.
- #5. The International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD) Scholarships.
- #6. University of Padua International Scholarships
- #7. Bocconi Merit and International Awards
These scholarship programs come annually. Always keep making inquiries about this scholarship program if you want to study abroad in Italy.
How to Study Abroad in Italy For Free.
Because education in the nation of Italy has become a strong core, here are tips to follow so you can study in Italy for free.
- Start learning about culture and Italian language.
- Use social media to build strong connections.
- Get a global skill.
- Search for a less affordable university in Italy.
- Find a part-time job in Italy.
- Apply for scholarships.
If you are a citizen of Italy, education is free! But international students are not entitled to a tuition-free education in Italy.
10 affordable universities for international students who want to study abroad in Italy.
- University of Florence
- University of Siena
- Free University of Bozen Bolzano.
- University of Padua
- Ca’Foscari University of Venice.
- Sant Anna School of Advanced Studies.
- University of Bologna
- Polytechnic University of Milan
- University of Trento
- University of Turin
Read our article on the Top 15 Study Abroad Programs
The Best Way to Apply for University in Italy for International Students.
Before you apply for a student visa here are things you should know and get ready for.
- Online application and the submission of supplementary materials or even offline.
- Good grade( good academic scores).
Meanwhile, the entire process for applying for a student visa begins with an Italian university offering you a letter of acceptance.
Because that is the first step that will even you qualify to start applying for a student’s Visa.
You should know that student Visas are often classified on the basis of two broad distinction points.
- The Student Visa Classification Based on Program’s Duration.
2. The student Visa Classification Based on Type of Program/ Student.
Here are the requirements you will need when applying for a visa as an international student wanting to study abroad in Italy.
Requirements for student Visa.
- Valid passport
- Proof of a bonafide student.
- Solid financial lucidity
- Language proficiency test score
- Recommendation letters.
- Curriculum vitae
- Previous academic background.
- Your transcript of record.
The visa you need will depend on the course of study you want to pursue in the country. Moreover, ensure that you have all the latest information first.
This will guide you with the visa updates and also help you make your application, while you are also preparing for the visa interview.
Requirements when requesting for Visa Extension:
Visas are issued for a specific period of time. In case, your study permit expires before the completion of your program then there will be a need for you to apply for another permit.
That is renewing your permit. You should apply for this renewal at least 30 days before your existing permit expires. You can submit your application through the internet.
How to apply for colleges in Italy: The Step-by-Step Guide:
Every year hundreds of thousands of international students are always applying to study abroad in Italy but really, at the end of the year not up to 40% of them here the chance to be admitted into the university.
But here are the step by store guide that you follow that will make have a high chance of getting admission to study abroad in Italy.
- Contact your selected university of choice and see if you are eligible to apply.
- Complete your application request and submit it at the Italian embassy in your country.
- The Italian consulate will help submit your application and the university will verify your application.
- If you are admitted then go and request a student visa immediately.
Conclusion
Studying abroad in Italy is an option for many students. Nevertheless, you must get yourself prepared beforehand. Get your passport and other basic documents ready. Moreover, you can apply to several universities in Italy instead of applying to only one.
Follow our step-by-step guide to studying abroad in Italy because it will surely help you get admission this year, in 2023.
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